4. Permanent Installation
4.1 Where to Install
The following environmental requirements are essential for installing the inverter:
a)Dry - Do not allow water to drip or splash on the Sima STP-3000.
b)Cool – Ambient air temperature should be between 0°C and 40°C (32°F and 105°F). The cooler, the better.
c)Ventilated – Ensure that the unit is in a compartment that is ventilated. Allow at least 2 inch (5cm) of clearance around the Sima STP-3000for airflow. Make sure that ventilated openings on the front and rear of the unit are not obstructed.
d)Safe – Do not install the SIMA STP-3000in the same compartment as batteries or any place likely to accumulate flammable liquids such as gasoline (See warning below).
e)Close to Battery – Install as close to the battery as possible so as to minimize the length of connecting cable between the inverter and the battery. Do not install in the same compartment. It is more efficient to allow longer AC wires than DC cables due to smaller current flows in the AC wires.
CAUTION!
To reduce fire hazard, do NOT cover or obstruct ventilation openings. To avoid overheating, DO NOT install the Sima STP-3000in a zero-clearance compartment.
WARNING! This equipment contains components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To reduce risk of fire or explosion, do NOT install in compartments containing batteries or flammable materials or in places where equipment needs to be ignition-protected.
The STP-3000 may be mounted horizontally or vertically on flat surfaces using the mounting flanges on the panels. Mounting hardware should be corrosion resistant and of #10 or larger in diameter.
4.2 Battery
Battery performance strongly affects outputs from your Sima STP-3000 and correct battery size and type must be utilized. Selection criteria of batteries are listed below for your specific applications.
A. Battery type
The lead-acid battery of your automobile can deliver large current for a short duration, consuming a small portion of its capacity to start up the engine. It is not suited for repeated charge-discharge cycles as such services quickly wear out the battery life.
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are marketed for repeatedly discharge and recharge cycles as used in recreational vehicles, boats, and electric golf carts. They are referred to as RV, marine, or golf-cart batteries.
It is recommended that deep-cycle batteries be separated from starting batteries by battery isolators when using the Sima STP-3000. Battery isolators are solid-state electronic circuits available at marine/RV dealers and most auto-parts stores. They allow appliances be operated from auxiliary sources without discharging the vehicle's battery and automatically direct the charge from the alternator to the battery when the vehicle operates (See Figure 5 on page 11).
B. Tips on Batteries
1Lead-acid batteries emit hydrogen and oxygen gases, and sulfuric acid fumes when recharging. Vent the battery compartment to prevent accumulation of these gases, and do not install electronic or electrical equipment in the battery compartment. Do not smoke or carry an open flame when working around batteries.
2The capacity of lead-acid batteries is temperature sensitive. Battery capacity is rated at 25°C (77° F). At –20° C (0°F) the ampere-hour capacity will be about half the rated capacity.
3Discharged batteries will undergo a “SULFATION" process, becoming permanently damaged. Recharge immediately within a day or two. Batteries shall self-discharge in 3 to 6 months. Recharge periodically even if not in use.
4Check the electrolyte fluid level once a month for batteries requiring maintenance and replenish with distilled water. Overcharging results in excessive fluid loss.
5Permanent connectors with reliable and low resistance connection must be made to the battery posts. Do not use "alligator" clips. Connections must be regularly cleaned to prevent corrosion.
6Check the battery states with a hydrometer or a voltmeter. Measure the (12-volt) battery a few hours after charging or discharging. For deep-cycle batteries at 25°C (77°F), the following table may be used:
| Table 4. | Battery Voltage | 12.7 ~ 12.9 | 12.5 ~ 12.6 | 12.3 ~ 12.4 | 12.1 ~ 12.2 | 11.9 ~ 12.0 |
| State-of-Charge | 100% | 80% | 60% | 40% | 20% |
| |
Your Sima STP-3000may be connected directly to the vehicle starting battery only if it drives small loads (less than 250/300 watts) for short discharging duration (less than one hour) Immediate battery recharge is recommended.
C. Alternators and Charging Systems
Battery health can only be maintained with good charging systems. Recharge your deep cycle batteries when they are 50% discharged so as to ensure long battery life.
Heavy-duty high-output alternators are available from RV/marine dealers and auto-parts suppliers. They produce 100 to 140 amperes of current at high voltages to charge multiple battery systems.
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